NDP 2021 postponed to Aug 21, ceremonial parade to be held on Aug 9

The National Day Parade (NDP) this year has been postponed to Aug 21 until the scheduled end of Phase 2 (Heightened Alert), the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) announced on Thursday (Jul 22). 

A ceremonial parade, similar to the one held last year at Padang, will take place on Aug 9 at the Float@Marina Bay instead.  

The heartland fireworks and Red Lions displays, which were supposed to take place over the Aug 7 and Aug 8 weekend, have been cancelled. 

The NDP rehearsal and preview, previously planned for Jul 24 and Jul 31 respectively, have also been postponed. 

“To prepare for the NDP on Aug 21, rehearsals will be conducted later in smaller component groups,” MINDEF said in its press release. It added that dates will not be announced to discourage crowds from gathering around Marina Bay. 

The NDP has been held every year to mark Singapore’s independence. This year’s changes will enable NDP 2021 to be held in “safer conditions” while maintaining that “cherished tradition”, said MINDEF. 

“This national event brings together Singaporeans from all walks of life, as one united people to affirm our unity and nationhood,” it added. 

This year’s NDP was scheduled to be held at The Float @ Marina Bay on Aug 9, with spectators required to undergo pre-event testing and be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Following MINDEF’s announcement, the Prime Minister’s Office announced that the National Day Rally has also been postponed by a week to Aug 29. The venue remains at Mediacorp at 1 Star Avenue.